Make These 3 Crave-Worthy Winter Salads That Warm from Within

Is it just me or did the temperature seemingly plummet overnight? I don’t know about you, but I am so not ready to say goodbye to fresh, crisp seasonal salads! When cold weather strikes, our cozy food cravings go into overdrive. But just because temperatures are dropping doesn’t mean nutrition needs to fly out the window! Today we’re going to dive into winter salad recipes that can still tantalize those summer-loving tastebuds, while warming your body from the inside out with ingredients that are good for you. The key here is choosing produce that thrives in cooler months and turning up the heat with metabolism-boosting spices, zesty dressings and even the occasional roasted veggie or hearty grain.

Below are three stellar wintertime salad creations that check all the boxes, providing a bounty of nutrients and dynamic textures that keeps things exciting. Let’s rally together and refuse to let our healthy salad streak see a seasonal slowdown! Dig into these flavor-packed bowls and fuel up for all those cozy adventures that come with winter’s arrival.

Warm Butternut Squash & Apple Salad

This savory and slightly sweet salad combination is the ultimate fall and winter flavor fusion! Take advantage of peak squash and apple seasons bringing their A-game. Toss this amazing duo in a zippy lemon tahini dressing punctuated by toasted walnuts, fresh sage and crumbled feta or goat cheese for the full sensory experience. The roasted squash and apples provide immediate warmth and comfort, while antioxidants and healthy fats nourish you from within!

Salad Ingredients:

Directions:

1. Toss squash cubes with 1 tbsp oil and roast at 425F 25 mins until tender.
2. Whisk dressing ingredients together until smooth.
3. Add roasted squash, apples, walnuts, sage and cheese crumbles to bowl.
4. Drizzle desired amount of dressing over top and enjoy!

Wintery Kale & Pomegranate Power Salad

This vibrant salad bursting with colorful antioxidant-rich ingredients will have you feeling fired up! Tender kale, crunchy apples, juicy pomegranate arils and toasted pecans get tossed in a light apple cider vinaigrette for the perfect balance of sweet, tangy and savory. And the best part, you ask? The walnuts add an omega-rich crunch to the mix. This mixture of textures paired with a medley of nutrients makes each energizing bite pop with flavor and nutrition!

Salad Ingredients:

• 1 bunch lacinato or curly kale, chopped.
• 1 apple, chopped.
• 1⁄2 cup pomegranate arils.
• 1⁄3 cup toasted pecans.
• 2 Tbsp toasted walnuts, chopped.

Dressing Ingredients:

• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 small shallot, finely diced
• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Whisk together oil, vinegar, syrup, mustard, shallot, salt & pepper for dressing.
2. Massage kale leaves with a little dressing to soften.
3. Toss together kale, apple, pomegranate, pecans and walnuts.
4. Top salad with remaining dressing and enjoy!

Warm Roasted Beet & Farro Salad

For a heartier winter salad, you can’t go wrong pairing protein-packed farro with earthy roasted beets and zippy goat cheese! Farro brings a nutty flavor and chewy texture while beets offer a boost of antioxidants to combat cold weather and vitamin C to support immunity. Toasted pistachios add crunch and goat cheese creamy saltiness that brings it all together beautifully.

Salad Ingredients:

Directions:

1. Toss beets with oil, salt and pepper. Roast at 400F for 40-50 mins until tender.
2. Make dressing by whisking together oil, vinegar, syrup, mustard, garlic, salt & pepper.
3. In a bowl, combine farro, beets, pistachios, goat cheese and green onions.
4. Drizzle desired amount of dressing over salad. Enjoy!

I hope these cozy salad recipes help you stay motivated to nourish your body with seasonal produce and satisfying flavors even when the weather outside gets frightful. Just because kale and carrots may not be growing at their peak doesn’t mean you still can’t whip up hearty, health-boosting bowls! Get creative mixing warmer roasted veggies, winter greens, seasonal fruits and fiber-rich grains to build salads that comfort.